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Posts tagged: comedy

This is something I wasn’t aware of – and just when I thought “I knew it all”!

In Singapore, it is quite a serious offence to disrespect the national flag in any way. But back down under, I have learned recently through reading about a TV satire about the current Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, “At Home With Julia” that no such laws exist to protect the Aussie flag.

The controversial episode will screen on Australian TVs tomorrow night on the ABC – it shows (the character of) Ms Gillard with the Australian flag draped over her after having ’sexual relations’ in her office.

The Controversial Scene From At Home With Julia

Professor David Flint, a well-known monarchist, aired his opposition by saying, “This is probably going a bit far… I think a bit more discretion when using the flag is appropriate, even when you are trying to make a joke”.

In fact, although there have been previous attempts to create laws that would ban flag burning or “inappropriate” uses of the Australian national symbol… they have all failed. There are no laws against desecrating the Australian flag. Having said that, ‘government protocol’ states that the flag “should not fall or lie on the ground or be used as a cover (although it can be used to cover a coffin at a funeral)”.

An ABC spokesman for the comedy, defended the use of the flag, by saying “If it’s OK for others to drape themselves in our flag for all manner of occasions, I really don’t see why it can’t be draped over our prime minister as a symbol of love”.

In the scene, one of the characters knocks on the office door, and Ms Gillard says that she is “having an urgent de-briefing”. The same character also says, “John and Janette must have got away with it a few times in here” (referring to ex-PM John Howard and his wife).

(The real) Julia Gillard has apparently refused to comment on the episode or the TV show.

I cannot even begin to imagine the kind of harsh penalties that would be meted out her in Singapore for such a blatant disregard and disrespect of such an important national symbol (not to mention the leader of the nation)!

Personally, I can’t wait to check out the latest instalment of the hilarious Wolf Pack! – HANGOVER PART II

Having said that, while the movie’s release is kicking it at the box office, there has been a particluarly dark shadow looming, which has been seemingly hidden somewhat from the public view.

The controversial tattoo

I’m not talking about the well-publicized legal battle over Mike Tyson’s tattoo, who’s designer has brought a copyright lawsuit against Warner Bros… In fact, the actions of the movie-making giant are much more sinister in my mind.

Famous Australian stuntman, Scott McLean, suffered a brain injury on the set last December while doubling for the actor Ed Helms. At this stage, it is unknown whether McLean will ever be able to work again.

Stuntman Scott McLean and his Partner

There are a number of trailers floating around, and I’ve opted to include the version here on my blog, that does not show disrespect to the family of the injured stuntman.

However, in another version, Scott McLean can be seen where Helms’s character sticks his head out of a car window in a chase through the streets of Bangkok – just a split second before he is hit by a truck.

Unfortunately, during the filming of this scene, the car that was meant to swerve away from the truck at the last minute, failed to do so.

According to McLean’s sister-in-law, “To have that scene used in the preview is a real kick in the face to all those who know Scott. It is sickening to watch, as we all know what happens next”.

Scott McLean has appeared as a stuntman in other movies, such as The Matrix, Superman and Star Wars. He was in a coma for weeks after the accident in December last year, and there was even concern that he may never walk or talk again.

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